Community encouraged to have their say on proposed City Campus Student Accommodation
The University of Newcastle will present its proposed city campus student accommodation plans and design to the local community in February, encouraging public input as planning and development on the project progresses.
Concept design by Architectus of the proposed University of Newcastle City Campus Student Accommodation.
The proposed student accommodation is the second stage of development, in line with the University's City Campus master plan and will accommodate upward of 450 students.
Highlighting the importance the community plays in the direction of the project, University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said input from residents and business owners is critical to ensuring their feedback is heard and respected, and ensuring the development helps address growing demand for student accommodation in Newcastle.
"We want to make sure this project is designed to provide contemporary, supportive, and comfortable student housing; help address the increasing need for student accommodation in the region; and support our local businesses and community to thrive,” Professor Zelinsky said.
"We are committed to expanding housing options, increasing capacity and alleviating rental pressures, and we look forward to collaborating with the community to enhance the student experience and deliver a high-quality, welcoming facility for our region.”
The initial building design proposes to include the construction of a nine-storey building on the corner of Worth Place and Civic Lane, which will also feature outdoor communal spaces and ground floor retail options.
As part of the initial planning process, the University engaged with key local Indigenous stakeholders to provide input into the designs to ensure that the building is culturally safe for future students and community, with this approach to continue throughout the project.
"Continuing to respect and celebrate the Aboriginal community's extensive cultural heritage and connection to this land is a top priority for the University from start to finish on this project,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“We're pleased with the interest received so far and look forward to strengthening our partnership with Indigenous communities in our regions and beyond."
In conjunction with community consultation, the project’s enabling works contract has recently gone out to tender. The tender includes site preparations and the relocation of approximately 45 existing parking spaces to ensure there is no impact on overall parking capacity.
In the coming months, a State Significant Development Application will be lodged with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, to be assessed before the main works can commence, with the project scheduled for completion in 2026.
The University currently has more than 1,700 on-campus accommodation beds across our Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses and provides initiatives to support students to find somewhere to live including a Homestay program facilitated by Australian Homestay Network.
For more information or to register your attendance to the community engagement session for the City Campus Student Accommodation project please visit the University of Newcastle’s website to keep updated on the project.
Related news
- Launch of the School Students’ Statement on the Right to a Healthy Environment
- Funding boost to technology for lower emission steel
- Newcastle team on mission to improve childhood cancer outcomes
- Shanae’s passion for caring delivers her dream to work in health
- Food and nutrition degree serves Keren a rewarding career
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.